To clarify the task of apologetics, a preliminary discussion of the relationship of faith and reason
is in order. The principal alternative views on this relationship in the history of the philosophy of
religion are fideism, rationalism, dualism, and “the overlapping view.” This last (awkwardly
expressed) position states the position of Thomas Aquinas, whose view this presentation will
defend. The first three positions will be defined and criticized, indicating by contrast why the
Thomistic view is defensible. This presentation will especially discuss dualism, whose best
known defender is Stephen Jay Gould. Dualism deserves attention because it is popular and a
temptation to many theologians and scientists. Nonetheless, it is sophistical, as can be readily
shown. With these clarifications and criticisms out of the way, this presentation will highlight
some remarks by Richard Dawkins as representative of the new atheists. His remarks illustrate
that the new atheists have degraded the debate in the philosophy of God and reveal that a
twenty-first century apologist has nothing to fear from their flimsy attack on theism and
religion in general.

Aquinas and Chesterton are both noted for their keen "Common Sense." They both were acutely
aware of the diabolical nature of the large institutions, and the destructive effect those
institutions have on individuals and society. Chesterton identified Hudge and Gudge,(big
government and big business) as the culprits. To these have been added big philanthropy.
Equally coercive. We discuss specifically the destructive elements,
along with methods to restore controls to individuals and small entities.

Livestream of video from the Conference will be at the Holy Apostles College and Seminary
YouTube Channel.